We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Basic English

Basic English is a simplified form of the English language that uses a limited vocabulary and grammar. It was developed in the early 20th century as a way to make English more accessible to learners who did not speak it as their first language.

Read more

Basic English is a simplified form of the English language that uses a limited vocabulary and grammar. It was developed in the early 20th century as a way to make English more accessible to learners who did not speak it as their first language.

What is Basic English?

Basic English is based on the idea that a small number of words can be used to express a wide range of ideas. The Basic English vocabulary consists of 850 words, which are chosen for their frequency and usefulness. The grammar of Basic English is also simplified, with a focus on simple sentence structures and regular verbs.

Why learn Basic English?

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn Basic English. Some people learn it to improve their communication skills in English. Others learn it for academic purposes, such as to prepare for an English language test or to read English-language materials. Still others learn Basic English for professional purposes, such as to communicate with clients or colleagues who do not speak English as their first language.

How to learn Basic English

There are many ways to learn Basic English. Some people choose to self-study using textbooks or online resources. Others take classes at a language school or university. There are also many online courses that can teach you Basic English.

Online courses for Basic English

There are many online courses that can teach you Basic English. These courses typically include video lessons, exercises, and quizzes. Some courses are self-paced, while others are taught by an instructor.

Some of the skills and knowledge that you can gain from online Basic English courses include:

  • Vocabulary: You will learn the 850 words that make up the Basic English vocabulary.
  • Grammar: You will learn the basic grammar of English, including sentence structure, verb tenses, and punctuation.
  • Pronunciation: You will learn how to pronounce English words correctly.
  • Conversation: You will learn how to have basic conversations in English.

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn Basic English. They are flexible and convenient, and they can provide you with the support and guidance of an instructor.

Is online learning enough?

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn Basic English, but they are not enough on their own. To fully understand and master Basic English, you will need to practice speaking and listening to the language. You can do this by talking to native English speakers, watching English-language movies and TV shows, and reading English-language books and articles.

Conclusion

Basic English is a simplified form of the English language that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a good choice for learners who want to improve their communication skills in English or for academic or professional purposes. There are many ways to learn Basic English, including online courses. However, online courses are not enough on their own. To fully understand and master Basic English, you will need to practice speaking and listening to the language.

Path to Basic English

Take the first step.
We've curated eight courses to help you on your path to Basic English. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Basic English: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic English.
Introduces the concept of Basic English and its 850-word vocabulary, exploring its history, principles, and applications in various fields.
This website provides free online English lessons, including Basic English lessons, from Oxford University Press.
This self-paced coursebook provides a comprehensive introduction to Basic English, with lessons, exercises, and audio materials.
This website provides free online English lessons, including Basic English lessons.
Provides a clear and concise overview of English grammar, with a focus on practical applications.
This language-learning app offers a gamified approach to learning Basic English.
While not specifically focused on Basic English, this book covers essential English vocabulary and grammar for international communication, making it a helpful supplement.
Provides a comprehensive guide to English grammar, with clear explanations and exercises.
Focuses on building English vocabulary at the intermediate level, which can be beneficial for learners who want to expand their Basic English vocabulary.
Provides an overview of advanced English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and writing, which can be helpful for learners who want to expand their Basic English knowledge.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser